Gall stones are hard pellets made from minerals combined with bile that form in your gallbladder. Gall stones vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Although most gall stones are made from cholesterol, about 15 percent of gall stones are made of calcium bilirubinate and are called pigment stones. Because gall stone formation is directly related to diet, avoiding certain foods decrease your risk of developing gall stones.
Starchy Food and Wheat
You should avoid eating foods containing carbohydrates because high sugar intake has been associated with elevating your risk of developing more gall stones. Carbohydrates are converted into blood sugar, so you should avoid eating foods such as pasta, bread and rice. Other starchy foods, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn, should also be avoided or eaten in limited quantities. Following a low-carb diet may help lower your risk of developing more gall stones while you are receiving treatment for the gall stones you already have.
Red Meat
Red meat, such as beef and pork, contain fat and cholesterol, substances that enhance gall stone formation. Lowering your red meat intake can help alleviate the symptoms of gall stone disease. Consider eliminating red meat from your diet entirely and substituting it with lean meats such as turkey or skinless chicken. Tuna and salmon are great substitutes because they contain omega-3 fatty acids that help lower your cholesterol levels.
Fatty Dairy Products
Having gall stones requires you to lower your daily fat intake. Depending on your condition, you may have to lower your fat intake to as little as 30 g of fat daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eggs contain cholesterol and also irritate the gallbladder, so they should be avoided. Certain dairy products, such as butter, ice cream and anything served or made with whipped cream, cheeses and full cream milk, should be avoided. These dairy products contain high amounts of fat.
Foods with Trans Fatty Acids
Foodstuffs that contain trans fatty acids should be avoided or eliminated from your diet altogether. Trans fatty acids are a type of fat, often found in processed foods, that damage your organs, including your arteries. Trans fat is linked with gall stone formation and the exacerbation of symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
